Image of muddy field from fjny is not of Roosevelt Island playing fields but could be.

There is no question that the Octagon Playing Field is a great big pile of mud when it rains. To alleviate this problem RIOC has been considering the use of an artificial turf surface for Octagon and other playing fields for the last several years but had put on hold any decision until safety questions had been adequately addressed.

During the January 12 RIOC Board of Directors Operations Committee Meeting (web cast here), RIOC President Steve Shane and VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez stated that the safety questions had been resolved by the NYC Parks department and recommended that the Board approve the purchase and installation of an artificial turf surface for Roosevelt Island's Octagon Playing Field. Mr. Shane asked the Operations Committee for its approval so that the purchase could be voted at during the January Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday January 14. Several Board members present at the Operations Committee meeting raised concerns that they were being asked to approve this item without adequate time for the Board members to responsibly review it's advantages and disadvantages.

Mr. Shane explained that the artificial turf proposal has been reviewed by RIOC staff for at least a year and that it would be beneficial to approve the item at the Operations's Committee meeting so that, upon approval by the full Board on January 14, the artificial turf can be installed by the end of May. If the Directors decided to wait for the following February Board meeting the artificial turf would not be ready for use until July.

Directors also were concerned whether Roosevelt Island residents who actually use the field were consulted on the use of this particular type of artificial turf such as the Youth Center Director. Mr. Shane explained that residents were consulted about the use of artificial turf but after being pressed by the Directors acknowledged that the Youth Center was not consulted on this particular type of artificial turf although non- Roosevelt Island residents such as the Corportate Zog League were consulted and approved of this type of turf.

RIRA Island Services Committee Chairperson Aaron Hamburger attended the Operations Committe Meeting and held up a sample of the artificial turf.

The subject was addressed during the RIRA Town Hall Meeting on RIOC' January Board Agenda. RIRA President Frank Farance expressed his concerns:

Folks-

Based upon yesterday's RIRA town hall meeting, I have several important concerns regarding the plan to immediately spend approximately $1.8 million on the turf for Octagon field.

1. Yesterday, by request of a RIOC board member, I contacted Charlie DeFino of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program to get his opinion. He said:

- The artificial turf is *not* the same one Steve Shane showed him previously.- The sample provided to him by Donna Masly ripped easily.- This artificial turn is not the one used by the city parks department nor the one used by the PSAL (sp?), which are the two main turfs.- He said that Octagon field should be made into a multi-use field, such as soccer, baseball, etc. whereas the present RIOC plan is only for single purpose. (Note: The "pony" field just north of Octagon field is not usable for baseball for older kids/adults because they right field is very very short. Having one or two baseball fields on Octagon field would allow for more use.)- He also expressed concern about spending $1.8 million when there are many other worthy items on the Island. ("$1.8 million would pay for youth services for all the Island's kids for [10-20 years]")

2. RIOC board members expressed concern about (yet again) having received information last minute. They complained: "We don't even know the name of the material [because we've be given so little information]". They also said that it might have been possible to give information about this months ago. They also complained that other significant board actions, such as the recent FDR memorial, they were only given information an hour before the meeting.

3. The usability of this artificial turf (and artificial turf in general) is in question. The community will be stuck with this surface for at least 10 years. RIOC board members told us that children, just to use the field, will require special equipment such as knee pads (so they don't get burned) and different shoes (so they don't ruin the field). RIOC board members say that cleats are prohibited on this kind of field, yet cleats are required for soccer games. As all the children learned this fall, no cleats and the officials with throw you out of the game. Really, this doesn't make any sense: one field the kids play with one kind of equipment, another field they play with a different of equipment. There seem to be a variety of hazards on artificial turf (burns, razor cuts, etc.) that were discussed last night -- this needs to be better socialized with the community because most of the RIOC board members are *not* actual users of that field. Board members state that the vendor has installed this turf in some other parks -- I strongly recommend that actual residents evaluate the playability and the safety of this kind of material, especially for youth players.

4. The need for an artificial turf is in question. The Octagon Field is used, on average, about 10-15 hours a week (according to RIOC's numbers). That's a relatively low usage. The real problem with Octagon field is the drainage problem. Regardless or whether one chooses real or artificial turf, the drainage problem has to be solved.

5. The RIOC financial analysis on this is oversimplified and improper. In short, RIOC says that the lifetime of the field is about 10-12 years, the field costs about $1.8 million, and RIOC takes in approximately $100,000 in revenue. At last night's meeting, we also learned that RIOC spends about $100,000 annually in maintenance on the field. The improper aspect of this analysis is merely looking at the revenue when one should be looking at the net profit. It's the net profit that one looks at concerning an investment because the net profit is what pays for the investment. RIOC does not quantify the maintenance (which still exists on top of one-time costs) and doesn't quantify the additional liability cost of the expected increase injuries on the field.

6. Lastly, while this is within the domain of RIOC governance, the whole idea of last-minute notification is very poor for decision-making. This appears to be an ongoing problem for the RIOC board. Directors have said: the best we can do is stop the contract once it's started. This is poor decision-making and increases the momentum of poor decisions. This is unacceptable to Roosevelt Island residents.

Although there might be some perceived urgency in getting this project started for this year's use, I recommend that the RIOC board split the effort into two pieces. The first piece is the repair of the field, regardless of which turf is used. The second piece is the choice of the turf, which does not have to be chosen today, but can be done a month or two from now when the RIOC board and the community have been information on this kind of artificial turf. I also recommend that the RIRA Island Services Committee (which had the same short notice) and RIRA Planning Committee be engaged in evaluation of this effort

RIOC President Steve Shane responds:

As I indicated at this AM's Board meeting, with all due deference to RIRA and Mr. Farance, this matter has been the subject of more than 2 years of investigation and attention. The Operations Committee fully reviewed the matter Tuesday evening and the Board approved it today.

Meet the new Octagon Playing Field Artificial Turf.

RIOC's January Board of Directors Meeting is available as a webcast here.

Mr. Shane also reports on a meeting with Gristedes in which billionaire supermarket owner John Catsimatidis promised "improving quality and reducing shelf pricing" as well as advising of a 10% senior citizen discount!

January 11, 2010

1. Board of Directors: Meeting on January 14 at 9:30 AM. No action yet from the NY Senate on the nominations of Margie Smith, Dr. Grimm and Mike Shinozaki, but it is rumored that the Senate Committee has reported the matter out to be acted upon before the end of January. As elsewhere previously reported, Commissioner VanAmerongen has resigned as of January 15, so this will be her last meeting as the Chair. She will be missed.2. Tram: On schedule for shutdown March 1 and reopening by September 1, 2010. Because of the difficulties in isolating costs associated with the mechanical overhaul of the system and its component parts, we have agreed with POMA that it should go ahead with its work and when completed, as indicated by the resumption of service which is the overriding priority, we will take stock of where we are and how much is left in the budget to address aesthetic station improvements. I have had meetings with Community Board 8 to present the plan for crane usage, street closings (including the upper ramp of the Queensboro Bridge), permitted times, traffic control and safety precautions, all as submitted to the Departments of Buildings and Traffic.3. Southpoint:(A) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: Phase 1 essentially complete. Permitting and RFP for phase 2 nearing final readiness to be performed in the Spring.(B) FDR Memorial: Legal work on NYC Funding and Development agreements continues with the FERI attorneys carrying the load. Construction likely to start in the Spring. State Parks has rescheduled the meeting to determine methodology for future maintenance for January 29. A $2 million endowment has been received by State Parks. The Governor’s Budget, to be announced next week, will contain the re-appropriation of $4 Million of State funds.4. Projects:(A) Sportspark pool is reopened and fully operational, ADA and code compliant. The gym floor is refinished and bleachers installed. Planning for mechanical system replacement, new weightlifting equipment and other refurbishing is ongoing. The Youth Center will have greater access for basketball and soccer and adult leagues will have a place when the weather makes outdoor courts unplayable. The table tennis group is ever expanding. Watch for program announcements. The many programs available to the residents should make Sportspark a true community center.(B) The status of the helix leading to the Island from the Bridge is being studied. Last repaired more than 20 years ago, an engineering inspection is being done to determine the condition and to program needed repairs. Long term wear and tear, with corrosion from salt in the wintertime, has taken its toll. Hopefully, there will not need to be complete rebuilding, with the attendant dislocation and cost, but the safety of the Island’s connection must be assured.(C) Octagon Soccer Field resurfacing: We have met with the two lowest responsible bidders from the earlier RFP to reconfigure the present requirements in consideration of budget imperatives. With a nylon surface currently in use by the NYC Parks Department, utilizing existing light stanchions (plus one), new lighting fixtures and appropriate drainage and foundation, appears likely to come in within projected capital budget. Project can begin, hopefully, by February and completed four months later. Added by vote of the Operations Committee and consent to the Board agenda for action on the 14th.(D) Motorgate: Scraping and painting ready to begin. Concrete work in abeyance until Spring. Lighting improvements await resealing of floors.(E) AVAC: New exterior panels being installed. New compactor chambers on order to be installed in the Spring.5. Ferry: It appears that a temporary service from the East channel oil dock during the Tram outage is possible, although usage and cost remain big questions. If all the morning rush hour Tram commuters (say 500 per hour between 7:30 and 9 AM) opt for ferry service to 35th street and are willing to pay for a 2 fare zone (say at $3 for the ferry ride including a bus up 1st Avenue, across 57th Street and back down 2nd Avenue connecting to other bus and subway lines), then it is projected as a breakeven. Less than such participation will require a substantial subsidy, presumably from RIOC, estimated to be on the order of $100,000 for the 6 months of the Tram shutdown. A survey will be conducted of Tram riders (by distribution on the Tram and published on our website) to try to ascertain interest. NYC EDC is participating in the discussions, but has not agreed to take up any of the financial burden. Stay tuned.6. Public Purpose Fund: Seven (7) applications for the 2010/11 cycle were submitted. Completed applications will be delivered to RIRA for its review and recommendations to the Board in time for consideration at the March meeting.7. Budget: The proposed 2010/11 Budget has been sent out to the community and is posted on RIOC’s web site for public review and comment before being formally presented to the Board for adoption, as it may be amended, at the March meeting. RIRA and other interested parties are welcome to review, comment and raise questions as part of the process. We have tried to set forth the detail of the assumptions that are part of the exercise and have made the projections for 15 years, subject to the inevitable infirmities of far off estimates. Both operating and capital budgets have been set forth.8. Blackwell Park: Community participation in the planning process is seemingly back on track.9. Credit cards use at Motorgate: As soon as the procedural mechanics are accomplished, transient parkers will be able to use credit cards to pay the parking charges at Motorgate.10. Gristedes: We met on site with John Catsimatidis, the owner, and his staff to discuss operations of the store. Gristedes has a new buying arrangement with Shoprite, both allegedly improving quality and reducing shelf price. We discussed a marketing plan by web site or otherwise as there is no easy medium for communicating to the specific buying public on the Island. Does everyone know that seniors get a 10% discount on Tuesdays? Revitalizing Gristedes would be good for everyone.11. Public Safety:(A) With the certification for radar and the acquisition of hand held units, the PSD will be able to more rigorously enforce the speed limits on the Island. With greater public awareness, the streets should be safer.(B) Pleased to report 260 coats collected and donated in the annual drive.

The most recent Roosevelt Island 24 hour Public Safety Report is posted daily on the blog's inside right sidebar, just below See Click Fix Roosevelt Island. Listed is a daily log recapping local incidents the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department responded to the previous day.

RIOC is also posting the Daily and November Monthly Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident reports on their web site. A breakdown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety incidents by location and category (the Blotter) for the months of November 2009 is available as well. The December Monthly reports are not yet available on RIOC's web site.

Below are the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Reports for December 23 - January 11, 2009. Incidents include:

Aided/EDP- A male stated he was suicidal. PSD, NYPD and EMS responded. Male was taken to the hospital by EMS. No injuries.

0700 hrs 12/24/09 - 0700 hrs 12/25/09

Criminal Mischief - PSD officer responded to report of youths kicking the wall in hallway. Two holes were observed in the wall. Search was conducted with negative results. Super was notified and will repair wall.

Graffiti - PSD officer observed youth writing on wall. Youth was brought to PSD office and father was notified. Youth was released to father.

Reckless Endangerment - PSD officer observed two youths throwing snowballs at passing vehicles. Youths were brought to office and parents were contacted. Youths were released to parents. No damages were reported.

0700 hrs 12/25/09 - 0700 hrs 12/26/09

Found of Possible Illegal Substance- While on patrol PSD officers found possible illegal substance staffed behind standpipe in stairwell.

Aggravated Harassment- Resident reported husband made over 100 phone calls to her and harassing their daughter. Resident going to Family Court to obtain and order of Protection and seek sole custody of the child. She was in a hurry to go to court and will go to NYPD on her own and file a report.

Aided- Intoxicated resident stated he may have taken prescription medication with alcohol. He added that he was felling depressed. PSD, NYPD and EMS responded. He was transported to the hospital by EMS.

Escort- Mother of a youth gathered his clothes and put him out. PSD responded and escorted the youth to his aunt's residence. Mother was advised of the danger of putting a youth outside.

Trespass/Investigation- Three youths in a building. One fled. the others stated that they were avoiding the cold temperatures. The youth were warned and admonished.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Petit Larceny- Unknown subject took both license plates of a parked vehicle. Search made with negative results. NYPD filed a report.

Domestic Dispute- Between husband and wife. No injuries. PSD spoke to both parties. NYPD refused.

Aided- A Gold water Hospital Patient was unconscious in a wheelchair outside. PSD escorted the aided to inside of a building. EMS responded and transported him to the hospital.

Graffiti- In two buildings stairwells. Search made with negative results. UA notified.

12/30/09-7:00 AM to 12/31/09-7:00 AM

Investigation- A tenant found an amorous letter in front of her apt. The letter was given to the Super who threw it out. Reported was notified to contact PSD if the matter continues. NYPD was refused.

0700 hrs 12/31/09 - 0700 hrs 01/01/10

Aided - PSD and EMS responded to an apartment for aided. Aided was not feeling well and transported to hospital.

Aided - PSD and EMS responded to an apartment for aided. Aided was not feeling well and transported to hospital.

Petit larceny - Victim reported to PSD that she left her purse unattended and unknown person took money. NYPD refused.

Aided - Fell inside apartment. EMS transported aided to hospital.

Order of Protection Violation - Reporter came into PSD and to report an order of protection violation. NYPD responded and advise victim to contact District Attorney's Office.

Aided/EDP - PSD responded to an apartment for an emotional youth yelling and screaming. NYPD and EMS responded. EDP was transported to hospital.

Disorderly Conduct - PSD responded for male subject yelling and screaming. Subject was taken to PSD and issued summons and released.

Missing Person - Mother came into PSD and stated her daughter was missing. NYPD responded. Daughter returned later and was okay. Refused medical attention.

01/01/10- 0700 AM to 01/02/10 - 0700 AM

Disorderly Conduct- Subject arrested by PSD.

Missing Person- Adult female upset because mother had her leave a party. Female threatened to kill herself. Female arrived home in a cab. PSD and NYPD responded. Female refused EMS. NYPD did not file a report.

Aided/EDP- Youth with emotional problems screaming in dwelling. PSD and EMS responded. Youth transported to the hospital by EMS.

Harassment- Between two residents over money. PSD responded. No injuries. NYPD refused.

Grand Larceny of an Auto (Off Island)-Resident reported that his vehicle was stolen at 36th Ave location between 11th and 12 th street. PSD and NYPD responded. Search made with negative results. NYPD filed a report.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Harassment- Resident opened door after hearing person knock. There were four female subjects. One threw water at the resident. All fled. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results.NYPD refused.

Menacing/Harassment- Male resident stated that six male youth followed him and made threats. he walked onto the street and youths ceased. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused.

Disabled Vehicle- On Main Street and it was obstructing traffic. PSD responded and directed traffic around it. The vehicle was later towed.

Verbal Dispute- Between a passenger and a RIOC Bus Driver. PSD responded and resolved the incident. Matter to be referred to the Mini Bus Supervisor.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Investigation- A Customer made a complaint that she believes that a Central Parking employee was tampering with her parked vehicle and took a mink hat. Complainant stated the vehicle was parked in the Motor Gate garage. Matter referred to the Central parking Manager. NYPD refused.

Fire/Smoke Condition- In a building Stairwell "U4". PSD and FDNY responded and extinguished it. UA was notified.

Escort- Tenant escorted to another tenant's apt to retrieve property. Second tenant believed that the first was tampering with her apt door. No signs of tampering. NYPD responded but second tenant had left.

Excessive Noise- One tenant reported the other and stated it occurs frequently. PSD responded and tenant shut off the music.

Water leak- In apt due to work that was done last week by UA. UA Super responded with PSD. UA to make repairs.

Gas Smell- In apt. FDNY and PSD responded. Per FDNY it was odor of burnt eggs.

Found Property- A wallet. It secured in PSD.

Suspicious Males- 2 males entered Gristedes Super Market with ninja masks on and went to the rear of the store when they saw the manager on the phone they left. PSD responded and monitored the store until it closed.

1/10/10-700:00 AM to 1/11/0-10-7:00 AM

Investigation- A suspicious male approached an Island resident who was fearful and left. PSD, NYPD responded. Search made with negative results. NYPD did not file a report and stated no crime took place.

Escort/ Property Recovery- A Island resident had the cell phone of another. PSD escorted owner to other resident's apt and retrieved the cell phone. NYPD refused.

Criminal Mischief- A group of youth rang a door bell and kicked the apt door and fled. There was damage to the door bell. PSD conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused.

Smoke Condition- A resident accidently burnt food which caused a smoke condition in the hallway. PSD responded and opened the windows and aired out the hallway. No injury and no property damage. UA notified.

1/11/10-7:00 AM to 1/12/10-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the hospital by EMS.

Investigation- alleged report of a male adult following a female youth a few days ago. Parent to respond to PSD with youth and file a report with NYPD.

Harassment- Adult male subject allegedly pulled on a female two days ago. No injuries and NYPD refused. Female to notify PSD in the future for evening escort.

Investigation- Deceased resident's son unable to enter apt. PSD and UA Super responded. The apt was in order and the lock had been changed.

Aided- Adult male member of a group home was emotionally upset No injuries. PSD, NYPD and EMS responded. Male transported to the hospital by EMS.

I often get inquires from readers looking for volunteer opportunities on Roosevelt Island. If you are interested in helping your neighbors by volunteering here on Roosevelt Island, please consider the Disabled Association Support for the Homebound (DASH) which was initiated recently by Roosevelt Island Doctor Jack Resnick. Louella Streitz sent this message describing DASH.

Another wonderful Roosevelt Island initiative, by the community – for the community – to help our Homebound.

DASH, (Disabled Association Support for the Homebound), a non-profit organization, is seeking volunteers to help successfully run this initiative. Please sign up on our website Therooseveltdoctor.com or call 1-917-558 0534. Louella Streitz and Sara Metzidakis are managing this initiative. If you do know someone who would benefit from some DASH support, please do encourage them to contact us.

Our goal is to “fill in the cracks” for our Roosevelt Island Homebound ,to ensure that their other-than-basic -needs are met - caringly, especially in times of sickness or loneliness.

This project is looking to help the homebound in different ways – , a “hello” visit, a “Cheer-up” call, taking someone for a walk and fresh air, picking up/delivering medication, being a secure companion to get money from the ATM, visiting with pets, running errands, grocery shopping, reading to them, writing cards/letters for them - anything to provide an additional smile.

We are working with some of the already established groups on the Island for maximum outreach. Please help us reach this goal and make this a successful initiative by volunteering. It’s only with your great support will we be able to run this program.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Last December, Assembly Member Micah Kellner initiated a meeting between the MTA, Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA), Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and other public officials to try and find solutions to Roosevelt Island's F train subway problems, particularly those arising from the service shutdown of the Roosevelt Island Tram due to the scheduled March 1, 2010 start of the Tram's Modernization Program. Roosevelt Island residents are concerned that the F subway train will be even more overcrowded than it is now with increased passengers resulting from the Tram shutdown. RIRA's proposal included:

Increasing morning capacity by providing 4-5 "specials" that extend the Q service to Roosevelt Island

4-5 trains, one every half hour, in the morning rush between 6:30-9:00. For example, the schedule might be 6:50, 7:20, 7:50, 8:20, 8:50. The exact times are to be refined later.

Special-Q service will take an uptown Q train from the 57St-7Ave terminus and send it outbound via 63St tracks to 21St-Queenbridge. Once there, the train will "turnaround" on the Queens-bound track (motorman switches to West end of train) and await a Manhattan-bound F train to pass on the Manhattan-bound tracks. After the F train passes, the Q train will switch tracks and follow to the F train. Once the Q train arrives at Roosevelt Island, the doors will open on the empty train and passengers will board quickly. The Q train will continue on 63St tracks (stopping at 63St-Lex) and continue down 7Av and Bway on the normal Q train service.

These Additional Q trains will *NOT* add load to the 63St connector interlock (in Long Island City) nor the Rockefeller Center interlock, i.e., we are avoiding two congestion points.

For Roosevelt Island commuters, they can transfer at 63St-Lex, continue on 7Av-Bway (a block away from the F train route), or transfer at Herald Square to the F train.

The extra service is only for the morning rush. No additional evening trains are requested.

The general consensus of those attending the meeting was that the MTA does not think there is an overcrowding problem at the Roosevelt Island F train subway station nor will there be one during the Tram outage. ( Here is the MTA's F Train Ridership Performance Study). Neither will the MTA refrain from the weekend F train subway disruptions during the Tram outage. That consensus was confirmed by the receipt of this response from the MTA sent to RIRA President Frank Farance.:

The MTA has provided a written response to the proposals submitted by the Roosevelt Island Residents Associations (RIRA) at the December 9 meeting on Roosevelt Island F train subway service during the Tram outage scheduled to begin on March 1 2010.

At the December 9th meeting with NYCT, RIOC, RIRA, and elected officials, you requested data on our ridership. Attached please find data on F train ridership at Roosevelt Island. Data is collected by recording MetroCard swipes at the Roosevelt Island subway station. Please note that Mr. Sean Singh at RIOC has done extensive analysis of our data. He may be a good resource for you.

In addition, the following is a summary of the various suggestions for Roosevelt Island subway service submitted by elected officials and residents and our responses to them:(A) Extend the Q train to the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station to supplement F serviceIn the past, trains were able to terminate at the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station. At that time, however, trains did not operate through to eastern Queens. In 2001, we completed the 63rd Street Connector project which links the 63rd Street tunnel tracks to the Queens Boulevard Line. The tracks that were used to terminate trains at the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station now are used as through tracks for F service, which runs every 4-6 minutes during rush hour. In Manhattan, the 63rd Street tunnel tracks have connections to the Sixth Avenue tracks (with access to BDFV service at 47-50 Streets/ Rockefeller Center) and the Broadway Line tracks (with access to Q service at 57th Street).

Extending the Q train to the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station to supplement F service is not operationally feasible because there are only two tracks at the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station, and, given that F trains run through the station on those tracks, there is no place to turn around Q trains. In order to ensure safety, whenever trains change directions on a non-terminal track, such as what is suggested at the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station, it is necessary to change the direction of the signal system. As a result, other trains would need to be kept at a safe distance until the turn-around operation is completed. To terminate Q trains at the 21st Street/ Queensbridge Station, it would be necessary to stop F trains on both tracks for several minutes to give Q trains enough time to switch tracks, change directions, and change crews. As a consequence, there would be significant delays in F service in both directions, which in turn would delay E and V service, which share tracks with the F train.For safety and operational reasons, NYC Transit does not schedule trains to turn around on the same tracks used by through trains.

(B) Rerouting every other R train via Roosevelt IslandThis is not operationally feasible. From an operational standpoint, R trains running via the 63rd Street F Line to Manhattan would be unable to resume their normal route via the Broadway Local tracks because the only track connection between the 63rd Street Line and the Broadway Line is via the Broadway Express tracks at the 57th Street station. Those tracks are used to terminate Q service from Brooklyn and thus any through R trains diverted via the F line would be blocked by Q trains that are turning around. As mentioned above, for safety and operationalreasons, NYC Transit does not schedule trains to turn around on the same tracks used by through trains.

Even if this plan were feasible, it would lead to significant overcrowding on the remaining R trains operating on the regular R route. From a ridership perspective, rerouted R trains would bypass the Lexington Avenue/59th Street station, which is a major destination for R riders. This would leave only half of the R trains available at Queens Plaza for the large volume of riders transferring to/from E trains, leading to overcrowded conditions on those R trains.

(C) Rerouting every other V train via Roosevelt IslandThis would lead to significant operational complexity and overcrowding on the V and E. From an operational standpoint, V trains today must share tracks with R trains between Forest Hills-71st Avenue and Queens Plaza, with E trains between Queens Plaza and 5th Avenue/53rd Street, and with F trains between 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center and Lower East Side-2nd Avenue, while E and F trains must share tracks between 75th Avenue and the 36th Street Interlocking.The existing operation is highly complex and requires careful scheduling to ensure even headways and loads within NYC Transit guidelines. Taking half of the V trains and merging them “early” with the F at 36th Street would make the operation even more complex and would introduce additional potential perturbations, as this is a merge point that is not normally used during rush hours.As a result, there would be a higher likelihood of delays on all four rush hour Queens Boulevard Line services (EFRV).

From a ridership perspective, the rerouted V trains would skip major destinations at Lexington Avenue/53rd Street and 5th Avenue/53rd Street and would not be available to provide valuable capacity through the 53rd Street Tunnel to relieve the heavily utilized E train. The passenger capacity of the V train through the 53rd Street Tunnel is particularly critical at the 23rd Street-Ely Avenue station, where G riders transfer to/from the E and V trains. With V service cut in half at that station, E trains would become very overcrowded.

(D) Extending the Q through the 63rd Street Tunnel to QueensThis is not operationally feasible. As discussed above, it is not feasible to extend the Q train only to the 21st Street-Queensbridge station, because for safety and operational reasons NYC Transit will not turn around terminating Q trains on the same tracks that are used by through F trains. Extending the Q train farther into Queens is not feasible because there is not enough capacity on the express tracks (EF) to handle any additional trains during rush hours, nor is there capacity during rush hours at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue terminal for local trains in addition to the current R and V trains. Furthermore, there are not enough cars available to extend Q trains to Queens, without reducing service elsewhere.

(E) Keep the first car of the southbound F train closed until Roosevelt IslandClosing the first car of the train is not operationally feasible and would lead to inconvenience and overcrowding for riders on the F in Queens.

From an operational standpoint, the doors on the trains are not designed to be turned on or off one car at a time, but rather are designed to be opened and closed in tandem. A member of the train crew would have to manually turn the doors of one car off before departure from 179th Street and then turn them back on at Roosevelt Island, which would delay service and inconvenience through riders from Queens. In Queens, closing off one car of the train would lead to longer dwell times at stations, as riders move back to the adjacent car to board; this would reduce throughput on the critical Queens Boulevard Line express tracks, which the F shares with the E. Because of ridership volume at F stations in Queens, closing off the first car of the train until Roosevelt Island would lead to overcrowding in other cars, particularly the car adjacent to the closed car. If the first car were closed off, it would cause major platform circulation problems at the Roosevelt Avenue station, where a heavily-used staircase serves the front end of the Manhattan-bound platform.

On a more positive note, it looks like the MTA may have responded to one Roosevelt Island resident's quest to get some down escalator service to the Manhattan platform. Remember new Roosevelt Island resident Trevre who has been having a series of email communications with the F Subway Line General Manager including this one:

... Also all four escalators on the lower part of the station always run up. Why not run two down and two up, at least in the morning when everyone is leaving anyways.

Well, I received this message from Trevre:

Looks like they got the hint

Image of Trevre In Front Of Down Escalator To Roosevelt Island Subway Platform

Trevre is referring to the Roosevelt Island escalator closest to the Queens end of the Manhattan bound platform that is now operating in the down direction after many years of only going up.

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department will be enforcing the Speed Limit on the Island with the use of Radar. Violators will be issued Speeding Tickets, which can result in loss of points on a Driver’s License.

PLEASE OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ISLAND.THANK YOU.

What do you think - would this driver taking a quick tour around Roosevelt Island been pulled over for speeding?

The Roosevelt Island Board Of Directors Operations Committee will be meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Their agenda appears quite ambitious.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York. The Committee will meet to receive updates on and discuss:

1. the Tram Modernization Project;2. the Red Bus Fare Policy, Rates, Routes and GPS Systems;3. the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Assessment;4. the Phase 1 of the Island-wide Security Camera Project;5. the Water Ferry Project;6. the Capital Projects including: a. the AVAC; b. the Motorgate Garage; c. the Southpoint Park; d. the Octagon Field; e. the West Drive Street Lights; and f. the Good Shepherd Community Center;7. the FDR Memorial8. the Blackwell House and Park9. the Sports Park10. Southtown matters including a. Buildings 7, 8 and 9; and b. the Tot Lot;11. the HHC - Steam Plant;12. the Public Purpose Funds;13. the Cornell University Study regarding Island-wide Landscaping; and14. the Octagon Sewer.

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WELCOME TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Welcome to the Roosevelt Islander Online!

Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.

The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.